Updated Plans Released for Chicago's Navy Pier

James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) and nARCHITECTS have released updated renderings for their competition-winning redesign of Chicago’s 3,300 foot long Navy Pier. The slightly scaled-back, revised plans seemed to have dismissed the more “dramatic” and costly facets reviewed in last years’ submittal, such as the floating pool and sand beach, to depict a contemporary “park-like feel.” Highlighted features include the south-facing Wave Wall and grand stairway, inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome, along with an interactive splash fountain-turned-winter ice skating rink at the beginning of a heavily vegetated promenade.

These updated plans for phase-one of the Navy Pier redesign were released alongside an announcement by the Chicago Mayor’s office that confirmed the project will receive $55 million in public funding.

As featured in the Chicago Tribune, nARCHITECTS' Wave Wall will connect the pier dock to an upper level amusement park, providing a large south-facing social space with views of the lake and access to more than 500 linear feet of retail spaces below.

Other featured structures include the slender glass Info Tower and a series of Lake Pavilions. By combining boat ticket kiosks with undulating polished stainless steel canopies, the Lake Pavilions will provide shade and shelter along the pier, while reflecting the rippling water of Lake Michigan back onto the dock (more information on the Navy Pier redevelopment scheme here).